Ideas to revive AR

[ForeverAutumn]

This place is slumping worse than...well...I don't know of anything in a worse slump. :(

Maybe it's summer, maybe it's frustration, maybe it's just beating a dead horse...but this place is slooooooooooooooooow.

So, let's get creative. How about some ideas on how to revive AR and put some life back in this place.

I'll start...

To increase awareness, we can organize a series of concerts, one on each continent. Filled with big stars and, of course, the best sound systems in the world. The whole event can be sponsored by AR but we get a different audio company to sponsor each show and use their equipment for the sound. Then people can tune in via internet, jump from show to show and compare the different systems...all the while running the AR banner at the bottom of the screen.

[GMichael]

Altec Lansing sponsored one for our town last month. Did you miss the invitation? They will have another one next June. I'll save you a seat.

[Auricauricle]

How 'bout instant messaging?

[audio amateur]

I had a pretty bad year this last school year so I was pretty much 24/7 on AR. It helped a lot so thanks!
This summer I'm making up for the bad/boring/depressing times and socialising a lot, seeing my best freinds etc so I'm not here very much these days.

[bobsticks]

I know that your " solution" was made in jest but, yes, it has been pretty slow. I know for my own part, that I have been remiss in my duties as cheif instigator and general antagonist. You may feel free to chastize ma at will.




This summer I'm making up for the bad/boring/depressing times and socialising a lot, seeing my best freinds etc so I'm not here very much these days.

Yeah. There's alot of truth to this sentiment in these parts as well. Been alot of work, alot of play, alot of shooting and golf, alot of good people and a few road trips. Music, especially new music has neither been at a premium or a high priority.

[Rich-n-Texas]

How 'bout a little Inbox cleanup there sticky... :smilewinkgrin:

Here's a concept: Live up to your promises Adam.

[noddin0ff]

We could do an AR sponsored side by side comparison of all of Spanky's speakers tried to date. That should generate some traffic.

[markw]

We could do an AR sponsored side by side comparison of all of Spanky's speakers tried to date. That should generate some traffic.Granted, they are only $50 speakers, but there were a million of 'em.

[thekid]

As in a Democracy where you get the government you vote in, you get the site the members build. Technically I don't think there are any tweaks that need to be done or a push button that can be pressed that will instantly resolve the issue. IMO we have a very good committed/knowledgable (I exclude myself from that last category..) core group but it is an extremely small group. I am not sure how you can expand on this group other than to say that one thing I would say is that in the past and still on occasion this site engages in flame wars much more than other sites I visit. I know some of it is made in jest but some of is not and when members post a thread and are sometimes attacked or in a more common scenario other members use the thread to attack each other it tends to drive people away. Just my two cents.........

[kexodusc]

I know that your " solution" was made in jest but, yes, it has been pretty slow. I know for my own part, that I have been remiss in my duties as cheif instigator and general antagonist. You may feel free to chastize ma at will.



Yeah. There's alot of truth to this sentiment in these parts as well. Been alot of work, alot of play, alot of shooting and golf, alot of good people and a few road trips. Music, especially new music has neither been at a premium or a high priority. Safe to say a bunch of the ar.com regulars have been MIA at times this year, and that hasn't helped. Even I haven't been on here nearly as much as usual. I missed about 5 when things at home got crazy, but, knock on wood, I'm still here.

We seem to have lost a lot of the new members asking about speakers, subs, receivers, TV's, amps, turntables, etc. That was always ar.com's lifeblood IMO, because the "old guard" inevitable comes and goes over time. Need something that attracts them. Don't know what that is.

I do most of my posting these days in the OT, Fav Films, and Rave Recs forums. Dunno if that's right, don't care. Might be useful for us to engage new members into visiting though, but then, maybe they aren't coming to ar.com for those reasons?

Sorry FA, I don't have any answers. Wish I did.

[markw]

They have a problem. They search the net for answers. This sit pops up as a place to get answers. They join, get answers and leave. They don't even stick around for a cigarette.

Welcome to the virtual age.

[GMichael]

I know that your " solution" was made in jest but, yes, it has been pretty slow. I know for my own part, that I have been remiss in my duties as cheif instigator and general antagonist. You may feel free to chastize ma at will.
.


HEY! I resemble that!
Who are you, and why are you taking my job?

[JSE]

JSE sticks his head through the watercooler room door........

Sticks and Kex are fast asleep leaning back with their heads falling off the back of their chairs and snoring, GM is yammering about be not being the cheif instigator anymore but no one is listening, FA is calling Michael Jackson's manager about a concert (Pssst....FA...watch the news!), Auri's getting an "instant happing ending" MarkW is being all "Rational" and all, and MIA Rich just beatch slapped Adam.........:sleep:

JSE will check back later.........................:ciappa:

[Auricauricle]

You funny man....You so funny....

[GMichael]

(GM walks out into the hall just in time to JSE leaving. JSE has a trail of T-paper hanging out of the back of his pants. GM calls all the workers out into the hall to laugh at JSE. One girl leans on the water cooler. Laughing hard, she knocks it over)

Hey! It's wet T-shirt party time!

[Groundbeef]

I for one have just had too much going to post on a regular basis. That, and doing budget work for the State of Illinois has been "challenging" to say the least. Not that CA is doing well, but I don't work for them.

If things calm down then I will post more.

[L.J.]

We need Lex/perv to come back.......

[Woochifer]

We need Lex/perv to come back.......

How do you know he's not currently lurking among the newbies? :cool:

[GMichael]

How do you know he's not currently lurking among the newbies? :cool:
Cause he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. If he was here, we'd know.

[L.J.]

Cause he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. If he was here, we'd know.

It actually took a while before perv started up. His cat fight with Pix is what started his mouth going. We always suspected, but that confirmed it.

http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=24309

His hatred for Wooch will pop up eventually if he is here. Sorry Wooch, couldn't help it :ciappa:

[GMichael]

It actually took a while before perv started up. His cat fight with Pix is what started his mouth going. We always suspected, but that confirmed it.

http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=24309

His hatred for Wooch will pop up eventually if he is here. Sorry Wooch, couldn't help it :ciappa:

True, but we would at least have a new member starting a bunch of threads. At first, they would seem thoughtful. In time, a pattern would show. Then someone would dissagree with something he said and, WHAM! All h.ll would break loose.

[ForeverAutumn]

True, but we would at least have a new member starting a bunch of threads. At first, they would seem thoughtful. In time, a pattern would show. Then someone would dissagree with something he said and, WHAM! All h.ll would break loose.

When did you hit 11,000 posts? It seems like just yesterday that we celebrated your 10K.

[GMichael]

When did you hit 11,000 posts? It seems like just yesterday that we celebrated your 10K.

Oh that? It was a while back. Not many milestones left after 10k.

Hey LJ, thanks for the link. It was a fun read. I really enjoyed the additional links to some of Lex's meltdowns.:crazy:

[L.J.]

Oh that? It was a while back. Not many milestones left after 10k.

Hey LJ, thanks for the link. It was a fun read. I really enjoyed the additional links to some of Lex's meltdowns.:crazy:

Oh....I didn't read that far...lol. I forgot about superpanny707.....:ciappa:

[Auricauricle]

Boy, whatta mindfull!

Who wants a beer??

[GMichael]

Boy, whatta mindfull!

Who wants a beer??

I'd love one.:mad:

[Auricauricle]

Beer up!

[3LB]

We could start a weekly rumor thread about Genesis reuniting with Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett...at least it works for Progressive Ears.

I dunno...very little music talk in the RR section...if the lurkers would post, but I think newbies are afraid they'll get their post broke off in their arse or something.

Hard to talk about too much of anything new...when yer broke.

[ForeverAutumn]

We could start a weekly rumor thread about Genesis reuniting with Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett...at least it works for Progressive Ears.

I dunno...very little music talk in the RR section...if the lurkers would post, but I think newbies are afraid they'll get their post broke off in their arse or something.

Hard to talk about too much of anything new...when yer broke.

Don't you mean ProgYESive Ears?

Sorry about your brokeness. I hope that changes soon.

[GMichael]

Who broke him?

[ForeverAutumn]

Who broke him?

He's an economic casualty.

[nightflier]

Well it seems that every few weeks a thread like this one resurfaces. If I may borrow a few ideas from previous posts and add a few new ones, here are some suggestions:

1. Get better ads - sorry but I'm tired as hell of seeing the same Axiom ad every day. Yes they make fine speakers, but where's the really cool looking stuff, you know the stuff from smaller outfits itching to get their name out there (Loiminchay, Pathos, Hansen, Densen, etc.)

2. Piggy-backing on the popularity of social-networking, why not add a few new conversation-focused categories? I'm thinking of ones that will appeal to the internet generation as well as us old fogies: What's on TV, Analog vs. Digital, The High Cost of Audio, Audio Compression, and if I can impose one of my own preferences: Greening up A/V.

3. Split up these categories:

- Digital Domain & Computer Audio
- Home Theater Audio & Video
- Community Welcomes and Gatherings should be subdivided into geographical areas.

4. Pluuueeeeze change the overly wordy names of some of the existing categories to generate more interest and get them higher on the sirch engine rankings:

- Portable Audio > iPods & Portable Audio
- Community Welcomes and Gatherings > Local Events
- Analog Room > Analog & Phono
- Digital Domain > CD & Digital
- The Audio Lab, Tweaks, Mods, DIY > Tweaks, Mods, & DIY

5. Create a Facebook page for this site (maybe someone here can volunteer to maintain it).

6. As long as I've been lurking here, I've never intentionally used the "Shop" and "Learn" tabs. Those are in serious need of a design/usability face-lift. They should also have better, more up-to-date content. The "Learn" section especially is just general information, doesn't really mention actual products, and has no pictures, diagrams, or other flashy stuff that would entice even newbies to check it out. I realize these sections are not what FA was specifically referring to in her OP, but more traffic there will undoubtedly drive more traffic here.

7. A collection of freely-usable avatar pics for new users to select when they sign up. This needn't be difficult to generate either, just ask the existing people here to submit a photo of their favorite piece of gear.

8. Offer a free greenie for any existing user who "brings a friend" on-board? Maybe when that friend gets 100 posts, the greenie would be awarded, to ensure this isn't abused.

9. Involve certain long-time members in the management of the site. Some of us have very specific interests, such as planar speakers, vinyl, the industry, and perhaps would not mind lurking in certain sections more regularly if they were given some kind of status symbol for doing so. Think of it as rewarding people for a long term commitment to a specific area in a/v. They could have a little symbol by their avatar and a title to go with it. For example, I'm sure someone here would be willing to keep up on concerts and then post this information in the Local Events section. If it's a popular section, maybe we could even have elections for it (using the survey-post feature) and if it's really popular section, we can impose term limits too, LOL.

10. Get manufacturers to donate gear to some of our members who do something significant such as submitting a certain number of reviews, maintaining the Facebook page, being a respected expert in a specific area (see #9 above) for a significant time, or assisting the site moderator with a large programming project, etc. If these manufacturers need an incentive, maybe they can get free ad-space for 3 months, or something that has equivalent value to them.

Anyhow, those are some of the ideas that came to mind...

[ForeverAutumn]

Nice, nightflier. Very nice. :yesnod:

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

To add to what night posted, you need a review section for equipment movies and music. Reviews have revived many a home theater website that was on its last breath, or at least the last two breaths.

[Rich-n-Texas]

Exercises in futility.

Why do you people waste your time with all your thoughtful ideas?

Because this site is managed by marketing greed, all you're going to get is a better ad server.

:rolleyes:

Here, how 'bout a little help here... http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56828

[ForeverAutumn]

Exercises in futility.

Why do you people waste your time with all your thoughtful ideas?

Because this site is managed by marketing greed, all you're going to get is a better ad server.

:rolleyes:

You just can't stay away from us can you? :hand:

You looooooooooove us! Just admit it.

[GMichael]

You just can't stay away from us can you? :hand:

You looooooooooove us! Just admit it.

I think he looooooooves one of us.

[ForeverAutumn]

Well, you are pretty irresistable. ;)

[GMichael]

Well, you are pretty irresistable. ;)

I told you to stop saying that. Wifey reads this thing ya know.:ciappa:

[ForeverAutumn]

I told you to stop saying that. Wifey reads this thing ya know.:ciappa:

Your obvious love for your wife is one of your most redeeming qualities.


does that help?

[L.J.]

To add to what night posted, you need a review section for equipment movies and music. Reviews have revived many a home theater website that was on its last breath, or at least the last two breaths.

Who's this guy :shocked:

[Auricauricle]

Was that an echo?? I coulda sworn I heard a peep comin' outta Texas way....Must be them dern coyotes again!

(Pads back to kitchen with beers, opens door to fridge while grumbling to self.)

[GMichael]

Your obvious love for your wife is one of your most redeeming qualities.


does that help?


Maybe if you threw in a few, "I know you would never cheat on her" comments.

[ForeverAutumn]

Maybe if you threw in a few, "I know you would never cheat on her" comments.

A comment like that coming from someone else means nothing. You're the only one who can convince her of that. And I'm sure that she's knows you never would.

[GMichael]

A comment like that coming from someone else means nothing. You're the only one who can convince her of that. And I'm sure that she's knows you never would.

That's very good. You even had me fooled for a second.:thumbsup:

[kexodusc]

1. Get better ads - sorry but I'm tired as hell of seeing the same Axiom ad every day. Yes they make fine speakers, but where's the really cool looking stuff, you know the stuff from smaller outfits itching to get their name out there (Loiminchay, Pathos, Hansen, Densen, etc.)

2. Piggy-backing on the popularity of social-networking, why not add a few new conversation-focused categories? I'm thinking of ones that will appeal to the internet generation as well as us old fogies: What's on TV, Analog vs. Digital, The High Cost of Audio, Audio Compression, and if I can impose one of my own preferences: Greening up A/V.

3. Split up these categories:

- Digital Domain & Computer Audio
- Home Theater Audio & Video
- Community Welcomes and Gatherings should be subdivided into geographical areas.

4. Pluuueeeeze change the overly wordy names of some of the existing categories to generate more interest and get them higher on the sirch engine rankings:

- Portable Audio > iPods & Portable Audio
- Community Welcomes and Gatherings > Local Events
- Analog Room > Analog & Phono
- Digital Domain > CD & Digital
- The Audio Lab, Tweaks, Mods, DIY > Tweaks, Mods, & DIY


9. Involve certain long-time members in the management of the site. Some of us have very specific interests, such as planar speakers, vinyl, the industry, and perhaps would not mind lurking in certain sections more regularly if they were given some kind of status symbol for doing so. Think of it as rewarding people for a long term commitment to a specific area in a/v. They could have a little symbol by their avatar and a title to go with it. For example, I'm sure someone here would be willing to keep up on concerts and then post this information in the Local Events section. If it's a popular section, maybe we could even have elections for it (using the survey-post feature) and if it's really popular section, we can impose term limits too, LOL.

10. Get manufacturers to donate gear to some of our members who do something significant such as submitting a certain number of reviews, maintaining the Facebook page, being a respected expert in a specific area (see #9 above) for a significant time, or assisting the site moderator with a large programming project, etc. If these manufacturers need an incentive, maybe they can get free ad-space for 3 months, or something that has equivalent value to them.

Anyhow, those are some of the ideas that came to mind...
Agreed...Strongly....Good post, Nightflier.

[nightflier]

Well let me retract my suggestion #5 above. Someone let me know that that's not going to be so welcome for some of us here who would prefer to stay somewhat anonymous:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpLNlSKugHw

Is it 1984, yet?

[GMichael]

Well, you asked for it. You got it. Now we have adds on how to loose weight and where to buy washers & driers.

[nightflier]

Well, you asked for it. You got it. Now we have adds on how to loose weight and where to buy washers & driers.

That's not what I asked for. I was hoping for more a/v ads, and not just from Bose and their ilk. Washers and Dryers??? Somebody need to slap some sense into that webmaster aroud here.

[GMichael]

That's not what I asked for. I was hoping for more a/v ads, and not just from Bose and their ilk. Washers and Dryers??? Somebody need to slap some sense into that webmaster aroud here.

Next time, please don't leave out those details. Next thing you know we'll be looking at tampon adds. "You can do anything and still feel as fresh as a spring morning." (Even swim in the public pool)

[nightflier]

GM, is this some deep-rooted innate fear we really don't want know about?

[GMichael]

GM, is this some deep-rooted innate fear we really don't want know about?

Well, there was this one time, back in band camp.................

[Auricauricle]

Okay! The music's up! Everybody get down and do The Maxi!

(Er, sorry. Ent insane fer a moment. [Cough!])

[GMichael]

Okay! The music's up! Everybody get down and do The Maxi!

(Er, sorry. Ent insane fer a moment. [Cough!])

Temporary maxsanity?